Tag Archives: BMW K1600 GT

BMW have launched its new performance touring bike, the K 1600 GT. It’s the first BMW model with an optional eCall service via the Vodafone SIM card on board. The BMW Motorrad ConnectedRide eCall/ ACN (Emergency Call/ Automatic Collision Notification) system uses networks throughout Europe – to get help to accident scenes as quickly as possible and improve road traffic safety. Over 2.5 million BMW cars are already digitally connected by Vodafone as standard.

“The first BMW motorcycle with the eCall system shows just how many possibilities there are for the Internet of Things. And this is just the beginning. It is estimated that by 2020 around 20 billion devices will be sharing data,” said Vodafone Internet of Things Director Ivo Rook.

BMW‘s new K 1600 GT has a Vodafone IoT SIM card under its seat. It ensures that if the bike is involved in an accident, the BMW Motorrad ConnectedRide system can immediately contact the BMW call centre. Developed by BMW Motorrad, the system has various sensors that monitor the bike’s speed and angle to identify when it is involved in an accident and trigger an emergency call. The rider can also use an SOS button on the handlebars to contact the BMW call centre. At the same time, other important information such as the bike’s location is transmitted. Depending on how severe the accident is, the BMW call centre alerts the emergency services or attempts to contact the driver via the bike’s built-in audio system. This system allows the rescue services to arrive at the accident site up to 50% faster.

Vodafone transmits the emergency calls Europe-wide via its international mobile communications network. When calls are made from abroad, the caller is always assigned to a BMW call centre agent who speaks his language.

BMW Motorrad has made a video demonstrating how the eCall/ACN system works. You can watch it here.